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Taxi License Medical Assessment
Your Complete Guide to Taxi & Private Hire Driver Medicals in the UK
Suppose you plan to become a licensed taxi or private hire driver in the UK. In that case, there’s one essential step you can’t skip — the taxi license medical assessment. Whether applying for your first license or renewing an existing one, passing your Taxi & Private Hire Driver Medical is a legal requirement by local licensing authorities and the DVLA (Driver and Vehicle Licensing Agency).
In this detailed guide, we’ll explain everything you need to know about taxi medicals — including why they’re important, what to expect, how to prepare, and where to book your assessment with a trusted provider like Precision Driver Medicals.
What Is a Taxi & Private Hire Driver Medical?
A Taxi & Private Hire Driver Medical is a health check to ensure you’re physically and mentally fit to drive safely on UK roads. It follows DVLA Group 2 medical standards similar to those used for HGV and bus drivers.
This assessment is usually required by councils and licensing authorities before they grant or renew your taxi license. The goal is to protect public safety by ensuring drivers are not suffering from health conditions that may impair their ability to drive professionally.
Who Needs a Taxi License Medical?
You’ll need a taxi driver medical if you are:
- Applying for a new taxi or private hire license (Hackney carriage or minicab)
- Renewing your taxi license (usually every 1–5 years, depending on your local authority)
- Over a certain age (often 45 or 65+), as required by your local council
- Referred by the DVLA or your local authority due to a medical condition
Some common licensing authorities that require this include:
- Transport for London (TfL) for PCO driver applications
- Birmingham City Council
- Manchester City Council
- Liverpool City Council
- And many more across the UK
What’s Included in a Taxi Medical Assessment?
When you book a Taxi & Private Hire Driver Medical with Precision Driver Medicals, a GMC-registered doctor will perform a full health check, including:
General Medical Examination:
- Height and weight (BMI calculation)
- Blood pressure check
- Urine test (to check for diabetes or underlying health conditions)
Vision Assessment:
- Distance vision using a Snellen chart
- Visual field testing (to assess peripheral vision)
- You must meet the DVLA Group 2 eyesight standard, with or without glasses/contact lenses
Health Questionnaire:
You’ll be asked about:
- Cardiovascular issues (e.g., heart attacks, strokes)
- Diabetes (especially insulin-treated)
- Neurological conditions (e.g., epilepsy, blackouts)
- Mental health history
- Substance or alcohol use
- Sleep disorders (such as sleep apnea)
If applicable, bring along any specialist reports or test results to help the doctor make an informed decision.
Related Keywords You Should Know
To help your taxi medical journey go smoothly, here are some related terms you might come across:
- Private hire driver medical
- PCO medical assessment
- Taxi driver medical test
- Group 2 medical for taxi
- DVLA medical form (D4)
- Taxi license renewal medical
- Fit to drive medical
- Hackney carriage medical assessment
We incorporate all of these services under one roof at Precision Driver Medicals.
Why Are Taxi & Private Hire Driver Medicals Important?
Being responsible for transporting passengers means safety is non-negotiable. Here’s why this medical assessment matters:
Passenger Safety
Unfit drivers can pose a serious risk to public safety. Medical assessments reduce this risk by ensuring only healthy drivers are licensed.
Legal Compliance
Most UK councils won’t approve your taxi license without a DVLA-compliant medical.
Early Detection of Health Issues
Regular medicals can help detect underlying conditions early—benefiting your job and overall health.
How Often Do You Need a Taxi Medical?
The frequency of taxi driver medicals depends on your age and local authority:
- Initial license: Required for all new drivers
- Every 5 years: Common for drivers aged 45–65
- Annually: Required after age 65
- On request: Some councils may request assessments earlier, primarily if health concerns are raised
Always check with your local licensing authority for their specific requirements.
Preparing for Your Taxi Medical Assessment
Make sure to bring the following to your appointment:
- A valid photo ID (passport or driving license)
- Glasses or contact lenses, if you wear them for driving
- Details of any medications or medical history
- Your GP’s name and surgery address
- Your DVLA D4 form, if provided by your council
Tip: Get a good night’s sleep and avoid caffeine or smoking right before the exam to keep your blood pressure in check.
Where to Book a Taxi & Private Hire Driver Medical
Precision Driver Medicals provides affordable, efficient, and council-compliant medicals across the UK. Whether you’re applying for a PCO medical in London or need a taxi renewal medical in Birmingham, we’ve got you covered.
Why Choose Us?
- GMC-registered doctors
- Nationwide clinics
- Weekend and evening appointments
- Same-day bookings are often available
- Affordable pricing — no hidden fees
- DVLA and council-compliant reports
Frequently Asked Questions
How long does a taxi medical take?
The appointment typically takes 15–30 minutes.
Can I go to any doctor for my taxi medical?
Some councils require the medical to be completed by your own GP or a doctor with access to your records. Still, many accept medicals from specialist providers like Precision Driver Medicals. Always check with your council.
How much does a taxi medical cost?
Prices vary, but at Precision Driver Medicals, we offer competitive rates starting from £49.99, depending on location.
Book Your Taxi & Private Hire Driver Medical Today
If you’re ready to apply for your license or need a renewal, don’t wait until the last minute. Book your Taxi & Private Hire Driver Medical today with a trusted provider.
Visit www.precisiondrivermedicals.com
📞 Or call us at 020 3834 3185
At Precision Driver Medicals, we take pride in helping drivers get on the road safely and legally.
Final Thoughts
A taxi license medical assessment is more than just a formality — it’s a vital check to keep you and your passengers safe. At Precision Driver Medicals, we make the process simple, fast, and affordable. Whether you’re applying for your first taxi license or renewing after years on the road, our team is here to support you every step of the way.
